The vice-president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Shehu Dikko, has commended the head coach of the national team, Jose Peseiro, for his courageous decision-making during the match against South Africa.

In the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations semi-final on Wednesday night, the Super Eagles prevailed over Bafana Bafana in a penalty shoot-out.

Dikko, in a post on his verified social media page, lauded Peseiro for entrusting other players in his squad as the game reached its critical stages.

He expressed: “Congratulations @JosePeseiro… Fantastic job and huge respect ✊…. “Only a fearless, deliberate, competent and confident coach will be bold to replace his entire top three strikers and two central midfielders in Osimhen, Simon, Lookman, Iwobi, and Onyeka in a Semi-final do or die match ….. and even had the trust to send on his alternate central defender as the 6th substitute to go in for the Penalty kicks …. and all perfectly worked out very well and the positive results achieved…… WE BELIEVE.”

Ronwen Williams etched his name in world soccer history by becoming the first goalkeeper to thwart 4 out of 5 penalties in a major international tournament.

Williams attributed his remarkable feat to the diligent preparation orchestrated by the team’s video and match performance analyst, Sinesipho Mali.

“I owe immense credit to the analyst team. They meticulously compile and dissect numerous video clips for our scrutiny. I immerse myself in studying these clips, discerning patterns and tendencies,” Williams remarked.

“My phone brims with penalty clips, a testament to the exhaustive efforts of the analysts. Obtaining footage of players scattered across the globe isn’t facile. Kudos to the analysts for facilitating my preparations. Their efforts rendered my task considerably easier, as I had insights into the opponents’ tendencies.”

During the quarter-finals clash against Cape Verde, Williams thwarted spot-kicks from Bebe, Willy Semedo, Laros Duarte, and Patrick Andrade, propelling South Africa to a 2-1 victory following a goalless draw in regulation time and extra time.

South Africa is now set to confront Nigeria in the semi-finals scheduled for Wednesday.

Striker Ronald ‘Sate Sate’ Kampamba expressed delight at reuniting with Nkana and affirmed his belief that the esteemed team will evade relegation. Kampamba recently rejoined Nkana following a stint of one-and-a-half seasons at another prominent club, Kansanshi Dynamos. This marks his third return to Nkana Stadium, where he is affectionately referred to as the Landlord. Speaking from Kitwe yesterday, Kampamba emphasized his deep connection with Nkana, portraying his return as a source of joy. “This is my sanctuary, and I am thrilled to be back, eager to contribute my best to the club’s cause,” he remarked. Despite currently occupying the 16th spot with 19 points, trailing 20 points behind leaders Zesco United, Kampamba remains optimistic about Nkana’s survival prospects. “We have numerous matches remaining in the season. Our success hinges on diligence and collective effort from all players. We must exert ourselves beyond the ordinary,” he asserted.